Possums and Cuscuses: Phalangeridae

Most members of this family are nocturnal, or active at night, but the black-spotted cuscus and the Sulawesi bear cuscus feed during the day. All species are arboreal (tree-dwelling) except for the ground cuscus—but even though this animal lives in burrows underground, it is a good climber, and climbs trees to feed on fruit.

Little is known about the social behavior of members of this family. Most species appear to live alone, although a few may form pairs. Males are aggressive toward each other when their home range overlaps. Females usually produce two litters consisting of one offspring each year. Like all marsupials, the young are tiny, undeveloped creatures that finish maturing while attached to a teat, or nipple, in the mother's forward-facing pouch. After five to eight months, the young leave the pouch and are carried on their mother's back for a few more weeks or months.